Trains and organizes lay persons for caring ministry in and around the congregation.

Increases significantly the number of church members equipped to provide quality Christian care so that fewer of those in need "fall between the cracks."

Gives pastors and full time church staff renewed joy and satisfaction as they equip others and are linked with persons to whom they will be ministering.

Enables those who receive care to grow in a deeper relationship with their Lord.

Encourages those cared for to care for others, to "love as they have been loved."

Builds a strong and supportive ministry team between pastor and lay people who together bring God's care to others.

Enables the entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community.

Increases greatly the congregation's caring ministry.

Are lay people in the congregation who care, really care.

Receive an initial 50 hours of training in topics and skills related to caring ministry.

Are commissioned by the congregation and are linked with the first persons to whom they will be ministering.

Receive regular support and supervision for their ministries.

Apply caring skills to other important relationships and discover that their own lives are enriched.

Provide ongoing Christian care to people experiencing a wide range of life needs or crises, including...

	Those in families affected by alcohol or chemical dependency
	New members in church or community
	The hospitalized
	The disabled and handicapped
	The lonely or depressed
	The bereaved
	The terminally ill
	Those in job crisis
	Those in spiritual crisis
	and many more

If you are going through a difficult time in your life and feel a Stephen minister would be helpful, contact a pastor at the church office, 734-2677.